Short-term goodies or cash handouts 'unlikely' in budget: Elections over. Back to reality.

By Aaron Low, Economics Correspondent Taking the cue from the Government's remarks in recent weeks, economists on Tuesday all but ruled out the chance of generous, short-term goodies or cash handouts in this year's Budget. Instead, going by earlier remarks from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, people should expect the Government to focus on the long-term growth of the economy. On Tuesday, economists said the Budget will most probably target issues such as raising productivity and expanding the social safety nets. Background story LOOKING AHEAD This year's Budget is likely to focus on two main areas: Boosting productivity: Tax rebates for firms that spend on productivity measures may stay. Fostering inclusive growth: There may be top-ups to the Central Provident Fund and utilities and rental rebates for the lower income groups. The Budget, ...